Hair trimming template



Feb. 12, 1957 v. LE DONNE' 2,731,048

' HAIR TRIMMING TEMPLATE Filed May 11, 1954 v. M u H 7 M1mum INVENTOR. W Dow/2e United States atent N HAIR TRIMMING TEMPLATE Vincent Le Donne, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application May 11, 1954, Serial No. 429,419:-

4 Claims. (Cl. -13245) This invention relates to hair trimming devices, and a principal object of the invention is to provide a device in the nature of a template serving as a guide for the trimming operation and enabling the amateur, as well as the professional, to trim hair accurately and in presentable manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the stated character that is highly flexible as to choice of the type of hair trim that may be desired.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device of the stated character readily adaptable to different sized heads and to difierent characters of trim.

A further object of the invention is to provide a template device of the stated character comprising means for adjustment to accommodate difierent sizes of head.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a template of the stated character having provision for alteration in size and shape to meet the particular requirements of the individual user.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a profile view showing one form of the device and its mode of use;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective also illustrating the device and the manner in which it may be used;

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are face views of the three elements of a set of the character illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a face view of a template having adjustable means for regulating the size of the head-receiving opening of the template;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a detail of the adjustable device illustrated in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View on the line 8-8, Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a face view of a template illustrating a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view showing still another embodiment, and

Fig. 11 is a sectional view on the line 11-11, Fig. 10.

With reference to the drawings, the hair-trimming device of my invention in one of its embodiments may consist of the three annular template elements shown respectively in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. These elements, numbered 1, 2 and 3 respectively, may be made of cardboard or other suitable sheet material having a degree of inherent stiffness, sufiicient to enable the element to maintain its original flat form, and preferably having also a degree of flexibility to permit it to be bent if required from its normal flat planes. The three elements 1, 2 and 3 are essentially of the same exterior or peripheral shape and size, although they may if found desirable vary in both of these respects. Each of the elements has an opening designated respectively 4, 5 and 6 and the elements differ from each other primarily in the size and form of these openings. The openings are generally of oval form but differ as to size in the three elements, the opening 4 of the element 1 being larger than the opening 5 of the element 2, and the latter opening being in turn substantially larger than the opening 6 of the element 3. As the openings reduce in size they approach more nearly to a position of concentricity with respect to the outer peripheral edge of the element.

The openings 4, 5 and 6 bear a relation to the circumferential dimension of the cranium in different planes relatively remote from the crown of the head. Thus the opening is of such size that the element 1 will fit the head in a plane immediately above the ears when applied in the rearwardly inclined position on the head illustrated in Fig. 1. The opening 5 of the element 2 is dimensioned so that when applied to the head the element will be supported in a plane parallel to the inclined plane established by the element 1 but at a point relatively high on the head, as illustrated in broken lines in Fig. 1. Similarly the opening 6 of the element 3 is designed so that that element when applied to the head will be supported relatively close to the crown of the head and also in a plane parallel to those established by the elements 1 and 2. In the present instance, the openings 4, 5 and 6 are relatively dimensioned so that the planes defined by the elements 1, 2 and 3 when applied to the head will be substantially uniformly spaced with respect to each other and will embrace the major part at least of the space between the hairline and the crown of the head. This is clearly illustrated in Fig. 1.

In using this device in accordance with the principle of the invention, the element 1 is applied first to the head in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. That portion of the hair which has its roots below the plane of the element 1, and also that portion of the hair which is rooted in the area immediately adjoining the upper surface of the element 1 and embracing approximately onehalf of the space between the planes of the elements 1 and 2 and extending completely around the head, will be segregated and drawn outwardly over the edge of the element 1 after the manner clearly illustrated in Fig. 2, and the edge of the element 1 will then be used as a guide or template along which the hair is cut by scissors or other means in the manner illustrated in the drawings. The type of haircut desired will determine the angle at which the hair is drawn from the head over the edge of the template element. If for example it be desired to cut the hair relatively short at the front of the head, the hair in that area will be drawn from the scalp in sub stantially radial direction to the edge of the template. If on the other hand it be desired to leave the hair at the front of the head relatively long the hair in that area will be drawn rearwardly over the side edges or even the rear edge of the template so that when the ends are removed along the said edge the remaining strands of hair will be relatively long. Obviously, this principle applies to the hair in all areas of the head adjoining the element 1. Obviously, also, the widths of the templates will affect the length of the trim, and the templates may be varied as to width in whole or in part as a means for control of the ultimate hair length. In other words if a given length is required at the sides of the head, for example, the template in those areas will be made correspondingly wide. For any given type of trim accurate directions in this respect may be given and readily followed.

After trimming the hair immediately below and above the element 1 as described above, that element is removed from the head and is replaced by the element 2. The trimming operation is then repeated with respect to the hair rooted in the areas immediately below and above the element 2. The element 2 is then removed and the element 3 applied, in the position shown in broken lines in Fig. l, and the trimming operation is repeated, as to the hair at least which is rooted in the area immediately below the said element. The resulting haiieut'will be uniform and accurate and will yield'a hairdress of the desired character.

It is obvious in the aforedescribed trimming operation employing template elements of the character described, that whereas in each instance the outer edge of the template element will constitute the guide element for the out, there is considerable latitude in the character of the trim with a template element or elements of any given shape. As indicated above, the length of the hair in any area is controllable by the direction in which the hair is drawn over the edge of the template and the width of the latter. The nature of the final trim will depend in substantial degree also upon the outer contour of the template element or elements and the radial distance between the inner and outer peripheries of the said elements. For any specific type of trim a specific form of template may be provided. In the template shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the openings are relatively near the front, but this may be reversed, and in fact the relation of the openings to the outer peripheries may vary widely as required.

It will be noted that in the illustration of Figs. 1 and 2, the hair has been subjected to an initial or preparatory treatment as a means primarily for facilitating the trimming operation. through the medium of tight preliminary curls into the areas operatively associated respectively with the respective template elements. Thus between the positions of the elements 1 and 2 the hair has been divided into two circumferential series of curls '7 and 8 respectively, one adjoining the upper surface of the element 1 and the other adjoining the under-surface of the element 2. In the trimming operation the hair in the series of curls 7 will be drawn over the edge of the template I and trimmed as described above; and the hair in the series of curls 8 will be similarly drawn over the edge of the template 2 and trimmed against the edge of that template element.

Instead of a set of template elements provided with openings of different sizes, such as the elements 1, 2 and 3 described above, I may provide a single element provided with adjustable means for varying or adjusting the effective size of the central or cranium opening. Such a template element is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. In this case the element consists of the typical annular disk 11 of generally oval form or external peripheral profile. This disk is provided in the present instance with four radially adjustable tab-like elements 12, 13, 14 and 15 which are slidably mounted on the base element 11 so as to be adjustable substantially radially with respect to the inner periphery. The inner edges of these elements,

12 to 15 inclusive, are curved in accordance with the contour of the immediately adjoining portions of the inner peripheral edge 16 of the disk. When the elements are fully retracted these curved inner edges will register with the inner peripheral edge 16; and when adjusted inwardly they will project inwardly from said peripheral edge and will define and establish an inner peripheral dimension smaller than the fixed inner periphery 16. The effective size of the opening in the disk 11 may thereby be adjusted to fit the head in difierent planes corresponding for example to the planes established by the elements I, 2 and 3 in the previously described embodiment.

In the present instance the elements 12, 13, i4 and 15 are in the form of flat tabs or strips having at their outer ends laterally projecting tabs 17- and 13 which project into slots 19 and 21 respectively in the body member 11. If the material of the body member 11 and of the elements 12, 13, 14 and 15 is sufiiciently stiff, no special securing means for maintaining the elements in adjusted position will be required and they will be held in the desired position solely by friction. If desired and as shown in Fig. 7 markings may be provided, on the body member in the present instance, to give an indication of the different positions to which the elements 12 to 15 In effect the hair has been divided axial line 38.

inclusive may be adjusted to afiord difierent efiective cranium openings.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 9 a template element 22, or a set of such elements, is provided which may be trimmed to the size and shape required for the particular head and the particular type of trim desired. In this case the annular disk 22 is provided with integral tabs 23, 24, 25 and 26 which project inwardly from the inner periphery 27 of the disk. These tabs are marked to provide guide lines for cutting the tabs to required length alfording the effective inner peripheral dimensions required. The bodyof the template is also provided with guide lines 31 and 32 along which the disk may be cut to alter the outer peripheral dimension and contour. The guide lines 32 are located in the present instance at the rear of the template and are therefore useful in modifying the radial depth of the template at the rear. Similar guide lines could also be provided at the front and sides if desired. Guide lines of characters suitable for a variety of types of trim may be provided on the body of the template to facilitate shaping of the template as desired.

A somewhat different form of template is illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. In this case the device consists of the typical annular template element of the general form described above and designated in the present instance by the reference numeral 33. Secured to the upper surface of this element and bridging the opening in the latter are four more or less semi-circular fiat segmental elements designated respectively by the reference numerals 34, 35, 36 and 37. These elements are uniformly spaced and intersect each other on a central line 38 approximately normal to the plane of the base element 33. This template is designed to fit the head essentially in the manner described above with the lower or inner edges 41 of the segmental elements 34, 35, 36 and 37 in proximity to the scalp whereby these segmental elements in effect divide the scalp into eight segments diverging from the In Fig. 10 these segments are designated by the reference numerals 42 to 49 inclusive. The portions of the hair rooted within these respective segments may be drawn upwardly over the edges of the adjoining segmentsand trimmed along the upper edges of these segments as a guide. In each segment approximately one-half of the hair will be drawn over the upper edge of the one of the bounding segments which that hair adjoins, and the other half over the edge of the other and proximate segment. The outer peripheral edge of the base element 33 is also available for trimming the hair or selected portions thereof as required.

It will be noted by reference to Fig. 1 that while the template elements are made of flexible material they are susceptible to distortion as indicated in broken lines at the point In to modify the normal position of the outer pe ipheral edge of the element with respect to the adjoining portions of the scalp. By thus flexing the elements, it is apparent that variations of trim are obtainable to meet particular requirements or predilections of the user.

It will be understood that the shape as well as the size of the template may vary widely and is not confined to the conventional generally oval form illustrated. Obviously, the shape and size will be determined by the nature of the trimrequired.

The device of the invention 'is particularly well suited for production and sale in kit form for use by the individual in the home. When intelligently used in accordance with uncomplicated and readily understandable directions accompanying the templates, it constitutes a completely accurate and controlled means for trimming the hair in any desired conventional style, and may be provided also in special forms to meet any unconventional styles that may be desired.

I claim: I 1. In a head-encircling hair trimming device a tem plate comprising a thin, flat, annular member of sheet material having a degree of inherent stiffness suflicient to enable it to maintain its original fiat, annular form and a degree of flexibility sufficient to permit it to be bent from its normal flat plane, said member having an intenor opening defined by a narrow inner non-resilient peripheral edge shaped to completely encircle and embrace the head on a line between the ears and the crown of the head and to support the said member in stable position on the head and above the normal hair line thereon, and said member when so supported extending outwardly from the head as a fiat, brim-like projection of substantial widthwhereof the outer edge of said brimlike projection lies remote to the head and forms a continuous head-encircling gauge of predetermined contour for engagement by and guiding of the scissors during a trimming operation, whereby hair adjacent both surfaces of and of greater length than the width of said brim-like projection may be extended from the head at selectively varying angles to determine the trimming length of the hair in accordance with the character of the trim desired.

2. A head-encircling hair trimming device as defined in claim 1, wherein the thin, fiat, annular member includes means for regulating the effective size of said interior opening.

3. A head-encircling hair trimming device as defined in claim 2, wherein the said means for regulating the effective size of said interior opening comprises a plurality of element slidably mounted on said template adjacent said inner peripheral edge thereof and adjustable with respect to said inner peripheral edge into positions in which they project inwardly beyond said edge.

4. A head-encircling hair trimming device as defined in claim 2, wherein the said means for regulating the efiective size of said interior opening comprises a plurality of integral tabs projecting substantially radially into the interior of said opening, portions of said tabs being susceptible to removal so as to vary the length of said tabs whereby to regulate the extent of their projection beyond the edge defining said opening.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 981,588 Nelson Ian. 10, 1911 1,593,042 Streuli July 20, 1926 2,347,587 Wiles Apr. 25, 1944 2,539,198 Metzler Ian. 23, 1951 2,558,516 Granberg June 26, 1951 

